Germline editing

How it is used

One of the central topics in bioethics. Many countries ban its clinical use, and the Council of Europe's Oviedo Convention prohibits heritable changes to the human genome. A 2018 case in which gene-edited twins were born drew worldwide criticism. Some countries allow research on embryos that will not be implanted.

Example sentences

1. Most scientists agree that germline editing is not yet safe enough for clinical use.

2. The summit discussed whether germline editing should ever be allowed, and under what conditions.

Common collocations

• human germline editing
• heritable genome editing
• ban on germline editing
• embryo editing

Related terms

• gene editingMaking precise, targeted changes to the DNA of a living cell or organism, such as cutting out, correcting or inserting a sequence at a chosen position.
• germlineThe line of reproductive cells, meaning eggs, sperm and the cells that produce them, through which DNA is passed to the next generation.
• CRISPRA gene-editing technology, adapted from a bacterial defense system, in which a guide RNA leads an enzyme such as Cas9 to a chosen DNA sequence so that it can be cut and changed.
• ethics committeeAn independent group of experts and lay members that reviews research involving people or animals to protect the participants' rights, safety and welfare.
• informed consentPermission that a person gives freely to take part in research or to have a test or treatment, after the purpose, risks and benefits have been clearly explained.

More terms: Bioethics and Regulation

• genetic testing
• genetic counseling
• biosafety
• biobank